Three Reigate & Banstead play areas to get a revamp this autumn

28 September 2023

This October, Reigate & Banstead Borough Council will be upgrading three of its children’s play areas at Woodhatch Recreation Ground, Howards Close in Walton-on-the-hill, and Ifold Park in Earlswood.

Using recycled and natural materials, the new and upgraded play equipment is designed to be sustainable and inclusive. These improvements are part of the Council’s annual play area replacement programme to create safe, modern, spaces where children of all ages and abilities can learn and play.

What’s coming

• Woodhatch Park play area: Natural play features include a spider net, curly climber and woodland trim trail. Work commences 2 October and is expected to last about two weeks.
• Howards Close Recreation Ground play area: Inclusive features include a tipi carousel, wide accessible steps and hand holds. Work commences 11 October and is expected to last about two weeks.
• Ifold Park play area: Play features, made from recycled food packaging, textiles and ocean waste, include a two tower multi-play unit and a wheelchair carousel. Work commences 18 October and is expected to last about three weeks.

Cllr Nadean Moses, Executive Member for Environment and Sustainability said: “Outdoor play is incredibly important for children’s physical and mental health so it’s great news that three more of our play areas are being upgraded this year. I want our play areas to encourage confidence, imagination and a sense of adventure and I hope that children, along with their parents and carers, will enjoy exploring the new equipment together. I would also like to thank you for your patience during the improvement works.”

For safety, the play areas under construction will be cordoned off with Heras fencing and signage during the works and the new equipment will be able to open following a post-installation inspection.

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. The play area replacement programme usually seeks to replace two to three of the borough’s older play areas each year, selected following condition assessments and inspections. A major upgrade to the playground at Lady Neville Park was completed in March 2023.
2. Thousands of young people and their parents and carers visit the borough’s 40 plus play areas and skate parks each year.
3. The revamped skatepark in Preston Park, Tadworth, reopened in July 2023.

For more information, contact:
Communications Team
[email protected]
01737 276550